Nina, Kerstin, Simon, Stefano and Flurin are itinerant workers, part of a traditional German job-training system they opt for. A long time "on the road", they go their different ways, each to their own liking, sometimes in pairs, sometimes alone. In doing so, they follow the unwritten rules of their trade and also their own inner compass. They all seem to be on a quest as Julia Daschner tags along with her camera through Germany and as far as Rumania, come rain or shine. She's on the spot when a new member starts his or her journey and when another arrives back home after years of travelling. Auf der Walz (Learning on the Road) permits us insights in to a transitional approach to life and work that over the last few years has seen something of a renaissance among young men and women. These journeymen and women find themselves caught in the tension between new prospects and old customs, modern engineering techniques and old trades, free spirits and die-hards. As director, camerawoman and sound technician all in one, Ms Daschner spent roughly one month travelling with each of her protagonists. There were no other film crew members and the film was shot in 16 mm. A special carrier design allowed her to film while on the move and a special angle microphone helped her catch the live atmosphere. The large camera (as compared to a small digital camera) thus made of Ms Dasher's work a craft in its own right ? to her, a sign of respect for her protagonists' work. The verdict of the jury: Auf der Walz conveys a feeling of being alive, a feeling of mobility. Thanks to the painterly photography, her awareness of light moods and a keen eye for nature's beauty, Julia Daschner creates a poetic depiction of the tradition and way of life led by these itinerant tradesmen and women. Her decision to film in 16 mm leads to a sensuous viewing experience.

Julia Daschner, the documentary film-maker and cinematographer, was born in 1980. During her film and TV study course at the Academy of Media Arts Cologne from 2001 to 2007, she completed a semester in Cuba at the International School of Film and Television (EICTV). She has also assisted with the camerawork and lighting techniques on several college productions in Germany. Auf der Walz was her graduate piece. She is currently working as freelance cinematographer and director.